CAMPAIGNERS against world poverty arrived in Manchester on a historic 400-mile "walk for justice".

Supporters of Make Poverty History stopped off in the city en route to the crucial G8 summit in Gleneagles, which starts on July 6.

The walkers - who started out from Birmingham on Saturday - joined up with the Bishop and Lord Mayor of Manchester during a rally in the Peace Garden.

They had earlier hiked from Cheadle, along the A34 and into the city centre, before heading on to Bolton.

The group is calling on the G8 countries to do more to help poor countries in Africa and other parts of the world.

Promises

The G8 has already agreed a deal that will see the debt of 18 nations cancelled - when the deal was reached in London, chancellor Gordon Borwn said it "was not a time timidity but a time for boldness".

Simon Topping, leader of the walkers, said: "In 1998, 70,000 people gathered in Birmingham to call for the cancellation of debt for the world's poorest people.

"Since then we have seen many promises and even some action - but not enough.

"Children continue to die each day because of poverty.

"What the world's poorest people need is 100 per cent debt cancellation, and they need it now. That is worth a few blisters."

Afzal Khan, Manchester's Lord Mayor, wished the walkers well. "I hope the G8 will listen to your shouting," he said. "Only though fairness will we have peace and prosperity for all."